Part 13

Without justifying proof by intellect or through their own Biblical evidences, a difference has continued into the areas of trinity and unity. Though there were some perplexing verses in some scriptures, there were many clear-cut ones to sort out any confusion professing the servanthood of 'Eesaa and his supplication to, and the worship of Allaah, alone. (1) Servitude in Islaam refers to the total submission to Allaah AND absolute love for Him. The cornerstone of religion is the belief in Allaah and His Messenger, as the final Prophet has said: "I was ordered to fight the people until they bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allaah and that Muhammad is His Messenger". He also said: "Do not over-glorify me as the Christians did to 'Eesaa bin Maryam, for I am but a servant and so therefore describe me as (1) the servant of Allaah and (2) His Messenger." And as a result of this pillar, the Sabians and Brahmins and those of the same ilk who rejected the prophets are Kuffaar in their affirmations and beliefs, corrupt in their view of prophets. And those instigators of trinity into the heart of monotheism had corrupted their religion in a plain way, known through the fitrah that Allaah had created humans upon and through the books that He had sent. A general trend is observed among the priests, cardinals and Archbishops whereby their rise to genuine distinction and prominence is accompanied with their gradual disbelief in their own creed. Yet they insist on retaining their privileged positions and continuing their hypocrisy to the rulers and people. This observation is evident in the behaviour of Ibn al-Bouri of Jerusalem and Ibn al-Quf of Damascus. Similarly, many of the distinguished members of the clergy have been approached and advised by some (Muslim) noble people, who made it clear that their beliefs were not firmly held, if present at all, and that their retention of position is due to custom and privilege and not by right. A similar tradition is applicable to the kings and the wealthy. It is also observed that the efforts of theologian scholars are not directly concerned with the religion of the Messiah. Instead, logic, philosophy, mathematics, astronomy and medicine are commonly found. And if a religious discipline is studied, then the theological rhetoric of the Sabians is used. This last feature is the exact disbelief that Allaah had sent Ibraaheem to counter through conveying the authentic message. And this message is the one ignored by current clergy who substitute it with the rites approved by whims of the public and the desires of the rulers. This aforementioned clergy had ever contradicted the Jews in their adherence to the Scriptures, although they claimed to follow its entirety save what 'Eesaa had abrogated. The Jews belittled the prophets until they killed them, whereas the Christians were so excessive in their admiration as to worship them. The Jews claimed that it does not befit the Almighty to change or abrogate His Word from time to time even if a messenger claims it. Yet the Christians counter-claimed that their religious leaders had the power to change what they see as appopriate, and in doing so prohibit or sanction what they wish. Furthermore, those religious leaders can order the sinner to participate in extra worship and thereby forgive him. The Jews claim that many things have been prohibited upon them, yet the Christians say that everything between the mosquito and elephant is allowed: one eats what he wishes and leaves what he despises. The Jews claim that physical impurities are grave, that it is disallowed to sit or eat with the menstruating women. The Christians say the opposite, and do not enjoin either circumcision or washing (ghusl) and the removal of impurities, even though the disciples were on the sharee'ah of the Torah. Moreover, the prayer to the east, and the hanging of the cross were not acts enjoined by the Messiah or called for by his disciples. Rather, they were innovated by Emperor Constantine and others. Any true religion whose followers aim is the pleasure of Allaah, has to be commanded by Allaah Himself and delivered by His prophets and messengers. On the other hand, innovations in religious matters all amount to misguidance and idols were only worshipped first through innovation. In generally the majority of current Christian rites of worship and celebration were never commanded by Allaah nor sent through His Messenger. Yet Christians possess mercy and kindness, which are from Allaah's Deen. This characteristic was not found amongst the Jews who are coarse and aloof. The Jews, nevertheless are intelligent, yet stubborn and arrogant, and the Christians are ignorant of the truth and oblivious to the path of Allaah. This is not to say that those people of the book never accepted true guidance. Many current and previous groups of scholars embrace Islaam and migrated to the way of Allaah and His Prophet. They had also written about the proofs of Muhammad's (saw) prophethood in other books of Allaah, highlighting thereby areas hitherto ignored. And when the parties differed over the revealed guidance, Allaah sent the Prophet that the Messiah and previous prophets had mentioned. This last prophet was calling to the creed of Ibraaheem and the creed of the Messengers before and those after Ibraaheem.